Overview
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returned from a nine-game absence to score 36 in Oklahoma City’s 127-121 overtime win over Denver, reinforcing his status as the MVP front-runner.
- Under the NBA’s 65-game requirement, Gilgeous-Alexander can miss six more games, Nikola Jokic has only one to spare, Victor Wembanyama has three, and Cade Cunningham has 11.
- DraftKings lists updated MVP odds with Gilgeous-Alexander at -250, Jokic at +400, Cunningham at +700 and Wembanyama at +2500.
- Denver coach David Adelman argued the rule should not penalize Jokic or Gilgeous-Alexander for legitimate injuries, saying it wasn’t designed for players who “always play.”
- Gilgeous-Alexander said he supports the 65-game rule but emphasized he will not risk his health to meet the threshold, calling the requirement reasonable.